Scam 2003: The Telgi Story – A Different Scam Saga
Introduction: A Familiar Prelude
The iconic title track of the Scam franchise returns, setting the tone for Scam 2003: The Telgi Story, the second installment in the series now under Tushar Hiranandani’s direction. In Part 1, spanning the first five episodes, the story delves into the extraordinary journey of Abdul Karim Telgi, portrayed with focus and intensity by Gagan Dev Riar.
A Unique Scam Tale
Unlike the flashy Harshad Mehta, Abdul Karim Telgi operates in the shadows, acutely aware of the dangers of drawing attention to himself. We meet Telgi selling fruit with a photocopy of his B.Com degree certificate on a train. His daring dialogue catches the eye of a well-wisher, leading him to Bombay, where he contributes to a local guest house’s revenue. Telgi falls in love, marries the owner’s daughter, and spends time in Saudi Arabia before returning to India, where his real story unfolds.
Also Read: ‘One Nation, One Election’: Pros And Cons
The Ingenious Plot Unveiled
Based on Sanjay Singh’s book ‘Telgi Scam: Reporter’s Ki Diary’ and a screenplay by Karan Vyas, Kiran Yadnyopavit, and Kedar Patankar, the narrative centers on Telgi’s fixation with stamp papers. The early scenes meticulously detail how the stamp papers are produced and distributed across the nation. Telgi’s plan involves replacing genuine stamp papers with fakes on a moving train in just six minutes. His ambition grows, aiming to collaborate with corporate entities and obtain an official license, but risks loom large.
Themes of Ambition and Greed
The classic underdog story themes of ambition and greed come to the forefront, along with the widening divide between the affluent and the marginalized, driven by capitalist desires. While ‘Scam 1992’ vividly depicted Harshad Mehta’s pursuit of power, ‘Scam 2003’ occasionally falls short in conveying similar depth.
Flawed Execution and Performance
Certain sequences lack depth and attention, such as an extended scene where Telgi bribes a politician amid masked dancers, feeling disconnected from the narrative. Gagan Dev Riar’s commendable performance is somewhat hindered by the screenplay’s limitations. His portrayal is nuanced, combining wryness and confidence, but the overall framework falls short of fully showcasing his talent.
The Decision to Split the Series
The decision to divide the series into two parts, with the first five episodes focused on Telgi’s rise, raises questions about how the “To be continued” conclusion will affect the story’s reception. This choice appears misjudged, and only time will reveal its impact.
Conclusion
‘Scam 2003: The Telgi Story’ offers a unique perspective within the Scam franchise, but its execution and pacing could have been more refined. Gagan Dev Riar’s performance shines amidst the narrative’s shortcomings, leaving viewers curious about the series’ future.
Also Read: Kushi Movie Review
